Loose-leaf binders



Nov. 10, 1959 Filed Aug. 29, 1957 H. E. FRENCH 2,911,977

LOOSE-LEAF BINDERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

HECTOR E4 FRENCH ATTORNEYS Nov. 10, 1959 Filed Aug. 29, 1957 H. E. FRENCH LOOSE-LEAF' BINDERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 /ls ,5N fl? l i8 2l I 2O I9 Il .\22 A l [F IG. 5

INVENTUR. H ECTOF? E. FRENCH ATTORNEYS Nov. 10, 1959 H. E. FRENCH 2,911,977

LOOSE-LEAF BINDERS Filed Aug. 29, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 [Fissa Y l 6 j 53 l INVENTOR- [F l G- H HECTOR E. FRENCH BY m, zzz/M ATTORNFYS Nov. 10, 1959 H. E. FRENCH 2,911,977

LOOSE-LEAF BINDERS Filed Aug. 29, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. HECTOR E. FRENCH BY 72d@ @www Nov. 10, 1959 H. E. FRENCH LOOSE-LEAF BINDERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 29, 1957 Illlllll//l/ll lll/l/l//l 104/ [FIG I7 INVENTOR. HECTOR E. FRENCH @zei/M ATTORNEYS United States Patent O LOOSE-LEAF BINDERS Hector E. French, Wakefield, Mass. Application August 29, 1957, Serial No. 681,006

Claims. (Cl. 129-41) This invention relates to loose-leaf binders or manuscript covers and more particularly to improved looseleaf binders and manuscript covers constructed of paper, ber stock, plastics or other inexpensive materials.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive, loose-leaf binder or manuscript cover having integrally formed means for removably retaining a stack of leaves of optional number.

Another object of the present invention is to provide inexpensive loose-leaf binders or manuscript covers formed of paper, iiber stock, plastic or other inexpensive materials characterized by die-cut tongues for removably retaining a plurality of leaves.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages ofthe present invention will become more readily apparent as reference is had to the following detailed disclosure when considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a bottom view of one form of binder constructed according to the present invention, with the binder in open or unfolded position;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the binder of Fig. 1 in closed orfolded position with an inserted sheet of paper secured to the binder;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary bottom view of a second form of the present invention in open or unfolded position;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary bottom View of a third form ofthe present invention in open or unfolded position;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary bottom view of a fourth form of the present invention in open or unfolded position;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view comparable to Fig. 7 of a fifth form of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a bottom view of a sixth form of the present invention in open or unfolded position;

Fig. 10 is a plan View of the embodiment of Fig. 9 in closed position with an inserted sheet of paper secured thereto;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary bottom view of a seventh form ofthe present invention in open or unfolded position;

Fig 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 13--13 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom View of an eighth form of the present invention in open position;

Fig, 15 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view` of the embodiment of Fig. 14 in closed position, with an inserted sheet of paper secured thereto;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a ninth form of the present invention in closed position with an inserted sheet of paper secured thereto; and

Figs. 17 and 18 are sectional views illustrating how loose-leaf bindersv constructed according to the present invention may be attached to a cover element.

Referring to Fig. l there is presented a bottomV view.r of a loose-leaf binder 1 comprising a wide rectangular rear portion 2 and a narrow rectangular front portion 3 adapted to be folded back into parallel relation with the backlportion 2 along fold line 7. Fold line 7 may be provided by scoring the blank according to conventional methods. The rear portion 2 is die-cut as at 4 to provide tongues 5, These tongues are spaced from the fold line 7 a predetermined distance, e.g., 1/2 inch. The outer longitudinal edge of front portion 3 is pro,-` vided with suitable U-shapedv notches 6 in line with the tongues 5. Between the adjacent ends of tongues 5 and notches 6, the front and back portions are coated with a suitable adhesive 8. Although the adhesive 8 may be of the typeA that requires the addition of moisture, it is preferred that a pressure sensitive adhesive be used.

In utilizing the embodiment of Fig. 1, the binder is bent along the score line 7 so as to place the front portion 3 in overlying relation to the rear portion 2 and the tongues 5 are bent up away from the plane of the rear portion, 2. Y One or more leaves or sheets of paper 9 are positioned between the front and rear portionsof the binder and the tongues 5 are inserted through the punched holes 10 of the sheets of paper. The tongues 5, after being inserted in the holes 1t), are folded about the front portion 3. and behind the back portion 2 and secured in place by means of the adhesive 8. Figs. 2 and 3 clearly illustrate, how the tongues 5 are, bent up and around the front portion 3. `and behind. the back portionZ.

Although the embodiment of Fig. 1 features a front portion 3 which is much narrower than the back portion 2, so as to, besimply. a flange, it is contemplated that the front portion may be of the same size as the rear portion, as in Fig. 4. In Fig, 4 the binder is generally identied by the numeral 15. The rear portion 16 is cut out at 18. to provide tongues 19. The front portion 17is provided with circular openings 20. Applied to the rear surface of back portion 16 and the front surface` of front portion 17 betweenthe terminal end of tongues 19 and openings 2li is a suitable adhesive. 211 In using theform of binder illustrated in Fig. 4, the front portion 17 is bent about fold line 22. so as to lie at against the back portion 16. Then the tongues 19 are inserted first through the holes in the leaves of paper to. be bound, andthen through the openings 20. Then the tongues, are bent about the fold line 22 and secured tothe outer surfaces of the front and rear portions of thebinder by means of adhesive 21.

Fig. 5 illustrates a slight modification of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1. In Fig. 5 the back portion 2 6 is die-cut so as to form a large rectangular opening 28` and a tongue 29` which extends into the large opening 28. U-shaped notches 39 are provided on the long edge of the front portion 27. Adhesive 31 is applied to the binder between the terminal end of each tongue V29 and the U-shaped notchesSi. The front portion is bent along the fold line 32 so as to lie fiat against the back portion 26. The purpose of the enlarged opening indicated at 28 is to facilitate prying the tongues 29 away from the plane of the binder when the tongues are to be inserted through holes in the sheets of paper to be bound.

Fig. 6 illustrates a binder 35 which is only slightlyV differentrfrom therbinder illustrated in Fig. 5. in this case the back portion 36 and the front portion 37 are embossed'to provide ridges 43 which run from slots 40 to tongues 39 4and between which adhesive 411 is applied.V rPhe purpose of the ridges is to permit several binders to bev stacked; one upon theother without the binders coming into contact with the adhesive of the immediately adjacent binders. This is especially advantageous where a pressure sensitive adhesive is employed.

Fig. 8 illustrates how the same result may be accomplished by embossing the binder so as to form a groove' or depression 44 running from the notches toward the terminal ends of the tongues. Adhesive 41 is applied to the base of the grooves where it will not be contacted by the next higher binder. Since the embodiments of Figs. and 6 are utilized in the same manner as the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 4, the ridges 43 and the groove 44 serve another purpose. They locate the position to be occupied by tongues 39 when the latter are to be secured in place. In addition they protect the tongues so as to protect them from being mutilated or accidentally pulled off from the adhesive.

Fig. 9 illustrates still another form of the present invention. The binder 50 of Fig. 9 comprises a wide rear portion 51 and a narrow front portion 52. The rear portion 51 is cut out as at 53 to provide tongues 54. These tongues extend parallel to the fold line 60 as distinguished from the tongues of the embodiments previously described which extend at right angles to the fold lines. The front portion 52 is provided with L-shaped notches 56. Preferably these notches are enlarged slightly as at 57 immediately adjacent the longitudinal edge of the front portion 52 so as to facilitate insertion of tongues 54. The front portion 52 is embossed to provide pairs of ridges 58 running parallel to the tongues 54. Adhesive 59 is provided between the ridges.

To use the binder of Fig. 9 is a simple matter. First the front portion 52 is bent so as to overlie back portion '51. Then the tongues 54 are bent outwardly from the back portion in the direction of the front portion and inserted through openings 61 in one or more leaves of paper 62. These tongues are then inserted in the notches 56 and folded down parallel to the front portions and secured thereto by means of the adhesive 59 (see Figs. 10, 11 and 13).

The embodiment of Fig. 12 bears the same relation to the embodiment of Fig. 9 as the embodiment of Fig. 4 bears to that of Fig. l. Here the binder 65 comprises rear and front portions 66 and 67 respectively of identical sizes. The rear portion 66 is cut as at 68 to provide tongues 69 which run parallel to the fold line 72 in the same manner as the embodiment of Fig. 9. The front portion 67 is provided with circular openings 70 aligned with the terminal ends of the tongues 69. Adhesive 71 is applied to the front portion along an area running from the circular openings for a distance about equal to the length of tongues 69. Leaves of paper are inserted between the front and rear portions 66 and 67 and the tongues 69, after being inserted through suitable openings in the leaves, are inserted through the openings 70 in the front portion and bent back and secured thereto by means of the adhesive 71.

Fig. 14 illustrates an embodiment comparable to the form illustrated in Fig. 9 but differing therefrom in that no adhesive is required to secure the tongues in place. In Fig. 14 the front portion 77 is provided with two slits 82 and 83 in line with the foot of each of the L-shaped notches 80. As illustrated in Fig. the leaves of paper 85 are secured by the tongues 79 formed in the rear portion 76. The tongues are inserted through openings 86 in the sheets of paper and are passed through notches 80, over front portion 77, down through slit 82, and then up again through slit 83. When so positioned, the tongues are secure and the binder will not come apart.

Fig. 16 illustrates an embodiment similar to the forms of Figs. 9 and 14. The difference is that a pressure sensitive tape 90 is applied to the outer surface of the front portion 92 in overlying relation with the tongues 94 which are cut out of the back portion 96. The tongues pass through notches 98 cut in the front portion and are bent to overlie the front portion. Whenever leaves 99 are to be added or removed, the tape 90 is stripped of and the tongues withdrawn from notches 98.

Figs. 17 and 18 illustrate how a binder constructed according to the present invention can be attached to a cover member so as to form a loose-leaf book. Figs. 17 and 18 illustrate in section a loose-leaf binder having the general locking tab construction of Fig. 9 but differing therefrom in that the rear and front portions 51a and 52a are both narrow, like the front portion 52 of Fig. 9. Leaves of paper 62a are inserted between the front and rear portions and secured thereto by the tongues 54a which are received in notches similar to the notches 56 illustrated in Fig. 9. However, before the leaves are inserted, the binder is secured at the juncture of its front and rear portions to a large cover member comprising front and rear portions 102 and 104 by means of staples 106. Alternatively, as in Fig. 18 the binder is secured to the cover member by means of a strong cement or glue 108.

It is believed apparent from the foregoing description and from the accompanying drawings that the present invention comprises a very simple and effective form of loose-leaf binder having the advantage of integral construction. No separate metal or plastic fasteners are required to be made or attached to the binders and the binders may be made on conventional paper stock diecutting machines. The tongues provided according to the present invention are characterized by simplicity of construction and ease of operation.

It is contemplated that the binders will be made of paper board or other fibrous stock or like material having relatively strong tensile strength and substantial flexibility. In this way the tongues will provide strong locking and will be bendable several times without weakening. Although not illustrated, it is to be contemplated that the pressure sensitive adhesive where used may be covered by a suitable strip of protective material such as paper or cellophane. This covering material for the adhesive would be applied when the binder is manufactured and would be retained on the binder until the binder is to be used, whereupon it would be stripped oif so as to expose the adhesive. The use of the covering material for the adhesive will eliminate the need for the ridges, thereby eliminating the embossing step, but will, however, require the use of protective material which in cost will offset the savings achieved by omitting the embossing step necessary to provide the protective ridges illustrated in Fig. 9.

Obviously many modications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts specifically described or illustrated, and that within the scope of the appended claims it may be practised otherwise than as specifically described or illustrated.

I claim:

l. A loose-leaf binder comprising a single sheet of flexible material folded only once along a straight fold line to form a back portion and a front portion joined directly to each other along said fold line, said back portion having a plurality of elongated tongues positioned adjacent said fold line, said tongues being an integral part of and having their free edges cut from said back portion, said tongues each comprising a terminal end attached to said back portion and a free end bendable out of the plane of said back portion, said terminal and free ends of said tongues all being located in a straight line running parallel to said fold line, said front portion having a free edge running parallel to said fold line and located closer to said fold line than the corresponding edge of said back portion, said front portion having a like plurality of openings in the form. of l,- shaped notches at said free edge thereof, said openings disposed in line to receive said tongues when said front portion is folded over on top of said back portion.

2. A loose-leaf binder as delined by claim 1 wherein said front portion is provided with an adhesive coating adjacent each of said openings, said adhesive coating being located on the side of said front portion opposite to the side facing said back portion when said top portion is folded over on top of said back portion, said tongues having a length suicient to extend through said openings and be folded over into contacting engagement with said adhesive coating when said iront portion is folded over on top of said back portion.

3. A binder as defined by claim 1 wherein said front portion has a slot located adjacent to each of said openings, each slot having a width sufficient to receive one of said tongues, said tongues having a length sufficient to be inserted through said openings and folded back on said front portion and inserted into the adjacent slots when said front portion is folded over on top of said back portion.

4. The combination of claim 1 further including a separate cover member having a front cover portion and a back cover portion hingeably secured to said front cover portion, said binder being disposed between said front and back covers, and means securing together said cover member and said binder.

5. A loose-leaf binder comprising a single sheet of flexible material folded only once along a straight fold line to form a back portion and a front portion joined directly to each other along said fold line, said back portion having a plurality of elongated tongues positioned adjacent said fold line, said tongues being an integral part of and having their free edges cut from said back portion, said tongues each comprising a terminal end attached to said back portion and a free end bendable out of the plane of said back portion, said terminal and free ends of said tongues all being located in a straight line running parallel to said fold line, said front portion having a free edge running parallel to said fold line and located closer to said fold line than the corresponding edge of said back portion, said front portion having a like plurality of openings adjacent said free edge disposed to register with said terminal ends and to receive said tongues when said front portion is folded over on top of said back portion, said front portion also having a like plurality of narrow slots disposed at right angles to said free edge and extending therefrom to said openings whereby to permit said tongues to be moved into said openings.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNTTED STATES PATENTS 347,718 Kempshall Aug. 17, 1886 1,049,602 Rodenki I an. 7, 1913 1,811,713 Broome June 23, 1931 2,289,949 Wisdom July 14, 1942 2,363,761 Ward Nov. 28, 1944 2,596,600 Rice May 13, 1952 2,629,612 St. John Feb. 24, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 367,483 Great Britain Feb. 25, 1932 540,847 Great Britain Oct. 31, 1941 

